Animal Health and Welfare

Health and Welfare of Dogs

Checking for injury/illness daily. Ensure this is done when you’re away.
- Dogs are vulnerable to a range of infectious diseases and other
illnesses. - Insecure/stress dogs may become unwell.

You to consult a vet promptly if you suspect they’re in
pain, ill or injured. - Dogs have similar pain thresholds to people, but
individual dogs show pain and suffering differently. - Changes in dogs’
behaviour can be an early sign they’re ill/in pain. Consider pet insurance to cover vet bills.

A health check with your vet at least annually.Ask your vet for advice about
vaccination, neutering, and parasite treatments (e.g. fleas and worms).

Neutering unless intended for breeding and provisions are made to care for
parents and offspring. Before allowing dogs to breed, ask your vet’s advice to
ensure they’re suitable in terms of health and personalities.

Careful consideration. Before deciding to get a dog, investigate the health
and behaviour problems they have/may be prone to, as a result of breed, how
they’ve been bred and cared for. - Some breeds have exaggerated physical
features that can cause pain and suffering, some are also prone to inherited
disorders/diseases. - If unsure consult your vet.

You to take sensible precautions to keep them safe. Be alert to risks that
may affect your dog. - Dogs are inquisitive and may put themselves in
danger if left to explore unsupervised.

Treating with only the medicines prescribed for them.

Grooming regularly. If you’re unsure, consult a pet care
specialist.

To be identifiable, ideally microchipped (ask a vet’s advice). - A dog
who can be easily identified is more likely to be reunited with their owner and
to receive prompt veterinary care if injured. - By law, dogs in public
places must wear a collar with their owner’s name and address either on the
collar or on an attached tag.

A dog’s health and welfare is always high on the list of any dog owner. Keeping your dog in top condition is vital to ensure your dog leads a happy, healthy life with minimal problems. Obviously dogs occasionally become ill, if this is the case then early diagnosis and treatment is important, always consult your vet before carrying out any treatment you are not confident using.Vets can be expensive, however you MUST understand that the dog relies on its owners to provide not only food, water and love, but health care, no matter what the cost is. You may wish to insure you dog to cover vet fees, most vets will be able to advise you on this.